GBI Investigates Officer Involved Shooting in Thomas County, Georgia

August 16, 2017

Thomasville, Georgia - On Tuesday, August 15, 2017, about 4:20 pm, the GBI Thomasville office was requested to conduct an investigation into an officer involved shooting involving Thomas County Drug Agents. The request was received from the Thomas County Sheriff's Office. Agents were in the area of Magnolia and Fern Street attempting to execute a search warrant when the shooting occurred. The incident involved the subject's vehicle and Police vehicles prior to the shooting.

The individual shot has since passed away from his injuries. An autopsy will be scheduled. Interviews of officers involved, witnesses to the incident, and the processing of the crime scene are currently underway.

Additional updates will be released when information is available. This case is active and ongoing.

Update:

The deputy involved in the shooting has been identified as Josh Smith who started with the Thomas County Sheriff’s Office in June 2012. The decedent in this investigation has been identified as Herbert Gilbert, 37 years of age.

This investigation is active and ongoing. Agents are actively conducting interviews and reviewing video footage. Once the investigation into the use of force is completed, it will be turned over to the District Attorney’s Office for their review.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call the Thomasville GBI Regional Office at 229-225-4090.